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While at the conference, delegates spent at least 12 hours in groups that encouraged youth-adult partnerships and provided them with the skills to formulate community action plans addressing issues that affect teens. Youth received at least four hours of education on youth-adult partnerships, working with others and presenting themselves to funding organizations. The issues addressed by the teens include: Agricultural and environmental issues, bullying prevention, preparing for college, dealing with teen stress, demonstrating character and ethics, and civic engagement.

Last weekend seven Campbell County teens, accompanied by their 4-H agent and 4-H assistant, attended the Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference at the 4-H Leadership Center near Lake Cumberland.(Photo: Provided)

The Cooperative Extension service presents this intensive, four-day conference in collaboration with county 4-H agents and University of Kentucky staff. Seventy-five teens attended from 32 counties across the state. Debbie Myers and I were the youth and adult co-chairs of this year’s conference. The state planning committee is comprised of youth and adults. The teens are selected to serve on the committee through an application process after each year’s conference. According to Debbie, “serving as the youth co-chair contributed to my development as a leader and citizen within my community, and I would recommend the conference to all teens!”

The Kentucky 4-H Issues Conference began in 1989 to give teens the opportunity to learn the process of identifying and addressing local issues. Delegates select an issue they are concerned about and research the issue before coming to the conference. While at the conference, delegates share their ideas and collaborate with other 4-H’ers from around the state. Adult facilitators work with delegates leading them in the process of preparing a presentation to a community board. After the conference, county teams are given the opportunity to submit a mini-grant proposal addressing a local issue. When asked about the conference, Madison Jones said, “You learn how to address a problem and come up with a feasible solution, all while hanging out with some awesome people.”

For more information on other 4-H activities contact the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service at 859-572-2600. You can also “Like” Campbell County 4-H on Facebook to see pictures from Issues Conference and other 4-H news.